Mortal Kombat 1

 Xbox Series X
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 26 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
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  1. Cubed3
    Sep 27, 2023
    70
    Mortal Kombat 1 absolutely shines in its gameplay, thanks to some healthy tweaks to the formula, not least of which is the excellent Kameo system. There are flashy combos aplenty and some fresh takes on series staples, which are sadly let down by currently lacklustre online options and a less compelling single player experience, bar the riveting story mode. Still, there's so much fun to be had for players obsessed with optimising their combos and getting their fists bloody in the ring, but the amount of content falls shy of what we've been spoiled with in other modern fighters on the market — at the time of this writing, at least.
  2. TheXboxHub
    Sep 27, 2023
    70
    Whilst definitely touted as a reboot in pre-release info, Mortal Kombat 1 has taken a few too many steps back. The fighting feels stripped back from previous editions, reverting to a technique that fighting games were using years ago, rather than evolving.
  3. Digital Trends
    Sep 20, 2023
    70
    Mortal Kombat 1's creative Kameo system helps reinvent the classic fighting series, but poor single-player offerings feel like a step back.
  5. App Trigger
    Sep 24, 2023
    65
    It’s hard not to enjoy Mortal Kombat 1, but the main story is too tied into the overall gameplay, which makes the “it doesn’t make sense” execution of it too difficult to ignore. The events of the story itself indicate that none of this should not be happening. While the rest of the game goes off without a hitch, the plot holes of lore-heavy focus and deep integration of its story take away from what Mortal Kombat 1 really could be.
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  1. Kotaku
    Sep 22, 2023
    Mortal Kombat 1 is truly a fighting game that anyone can enjoy, even if you just button-mash endlessly. And while I wish it did more to reinvent the blood-soaked wheel, MK1 is still a worthwhile package that will please most fighting game fans, pros and casuals alike.
  2. Xboxygen
    Sep 18, 2023
    Ultimately, Mortal Kombat 1 is an episode fully in line with the licence's latest releases, exploiting the foundations that have made the series' revival such a success since Mortal Kombat X and 11. By revamping its scenario, NetherRealm has opened the door wide to accessibility and taken the opportunity to reintroduce a number of familiar faces, while simultaneously disrupting fans' habits. With the controller in hand, a certain nervousness pervades the fights, mainly due to the arrival of the Kameos which are support characters who can be used both offensively and defensively. As for the rest, we are back to the best the series has to offer, emphasising the gruesome effects and mind-blowing animations (pun intended) for a most definitive “Konvincing” finale.